Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Before anyone continues on, I really do recommend you play at least up to chapter 7, as this little story does have lowkey spoilers and a high key spoiler from the middle to last few chapters. I'm not that good with story writing but I'll try my best. Coffee with Milk and All You Guys will be mentioned. If you know, you know. If not, please turn away from this.

This is a (near exact) copy and paste from the story with the same name from my fanfic.net account. Iwas told to post it here as well or instead, and I finally got the profile up, so it's time to do so!
Xxxxxxxxxxxx

For Rex, things unknowingly have been... interesting for him lately. When he and the gang rescued Pyra from Jin and Malos, he magically earned himself a new set of armor seemingly fitted for him when he awoken the true power of Pheuma.

This armor moved just as freely as he ever could with his old salvager suit, despite the clunky looking and sharp protrusions jetting out from almost every angle. His new helmet never caught his nose when he closed it. The armor was breathable yet insulated, it kept him warm in the coldest places in Tantal and cool in the hottest area of Mor Ardain. His new armor felt like a part of him. In a way, to him it felt like a second skin, like he was born to be in it, like if he existed already wearing the armor of the master driver.

Like how a Blade is born with their clothes.

Making a stop in the city of Alba Cavanich after a hard battle with an armored beast that would terrorize the lower area leading to the Old Factory, the Aegis Gang had found themselves low on resources but high in gold. The strategy of
Break>Topple>Launch>Smash
they found would make the monsters drop gold and items like they were piñatas, and seemed to work wonders on the old bank. Inside the halls of Jakob's inn, a room held 3 guys who found themselves in a laze fest...

"Come on, chap, you go do it! You know how hard it is on the ol' back to launch a beast that size with a sword as big as yourself?!" A man with hair as white as snow said, laying belly down on his bed, barely being able to point his finger at the one who still had the strength to stand, let alone keep his head up.

The chap in question, however, knew he himself was still feeling jumpy as a brog but kept it hidden. It was hard to explain, but he could sense something would be off if he went down there, but he couldn't really pin point why. "Zeke, come on, I'm feeling just as tired as you are. Why can't we just send Tora to do it, I'm sure he wouldn't mind it, Architect knows he needs the exercise." The lad feigned exhaustion as he sat in a chair and places his head in his hand. Thanks to his connection with the Aegis, he recovered just as fast as a Blade would.

A furry heap of flesh and fabric had made a slight jitter upon hearing those words. "MEH-MEH! TORA TIRED, NOT DEAF! Tora's ears are hurty-hurty from all the swinging he and Poppi did against that monster. Let Tora rest... Rex-Rex sound like he still have pep in step."

Biting his tongue, the man now known as Rex had tried to think of an excuse. "I couldn't possibly carry back everything alone, guys, simple as that. If I went alone, I'd have to take multiple trips."

Zeke retorted angrily, using the last bit of his strength to yell at him, "Ask the girls, damn it!" With that, he went face down into the comforter of his bed, a heavy snore being muffled by it.

Seeing as he lost this fight, Rex had no choice but to get up from his chair as he left the room and closed the door to let his mates catch some much needed sleep. As he made his way to the girls' room one floor below to ask for assistance, it didn't occur to him the time it exactly was. Knocking on the door was a sight that if he didn't become accustomed to would burn his retina, the strongest Blade in the empire, Brighid.

"Rex, need I remind you it is currently 4:25 AM? Lady Morag must get her 8 hours in order to fight at her best. Is there something important that requires her audience?" The curvaceous fire Blade looked down at him, with eyes closed yet a piercing gaze still being able to be felt.

Trying to look down as he would be face to face with some things that made his face light with a blush if he looked up, he spoke a few words. "We're running low on things in the guys' room. Zeke and Tora are out of commission for awhile, and I was wondering if-"

"If you would have Morag wake up to assist you? As stated, she needs her rest." Brighid said, looking back real quick to make sure her driver did not wake up from their conversation.

"Oh... What about-" Rex was cut off by the fire Blade again. "Poppi is recharging, and Nia still feels somewhat under the weather due to readjusting to her new ways. I'd recommend asking Mythra, but I'd rather not have a reenactment of the last time we woke her up from her rest after one of your fights..."

Rex shivered as the memory replayed in his head clear as day. Last time he took a gamble and went to wake up Pyra for the day, only to be met with Mythra. He regretted waking her with a playful bellyflop next to her, shocking the Light Blade awake and forcing her to act out of shock and surprise as she ran out the room still technially half awake, her light going off in any direction. They had to pay for the glasses and treatments of those who were not immune to the blinding lights of Mythra's startled light show.

Feeling defeated, Rex turned with a sigh as he made his way to the stairs, unknown to him a hint of pity had hit Brighid's chest. He DID wield her weapon now and again, so she felt somewhat obligated to help him. "Perhaps I could get Newt to guard Lady Morag while I go help... Come along, Rex, the quicker we are, the better." Catching up to him and resting her hand on his shoulder, they made their way down to the shops.

Amongst the hustle and bustle of Alba Cavanich, Rex and Brighid stayed close to not be swept away by the morning crowds, trying all they can to make this trip as quick as possible. Brighid had to hold Rex's hand and lead him, as even if he was of high power, he was still a young man and got easily sidetracked.

Out of earshot, however, many of the people of Alba were caught off guard as many gazed towards the duo of beng. One was a sight as obvious as the sun at day, the Jewel of Mor Ardain, but the smaller humanoid she was with was that...

"Another blade? While I'll be, it's rare to see a lad that didnt come in common variety. Looks like she's chaperoning him around the city." An older gentleman said as he looked up from his newspaper.

"He looks so cute! It looks like Ms. Bridgid has herself a little friend!" Said a woman at the veggie stand, holding a basket with her own little friend in it, a small Phonix who slept peacefull.

A burly teen crossed his arms as he stood with his friends and scoffed. "Doesnt look like much... You reckon the guy's weapon is Attack or Healer based?"

"My my... wouldn't mind having that Blade in my party... could probably show my other 2 Blades a thing or 3." A young woman rested her arms on the railing as she looked down at them as they walked, imagining what that extra pair of arms can take care of in more ways than one.

2 soldiers stood guard as they could see the two in the distance. The taller of the pair nudged her friend in the side. "Rumor around the barrack is that the Special Inquisitor's preparing a Blade for the strongest soldier in the army. My money's that's the Blade, must be crazy strong if it's a gift to the strongest."

As the duo made their way to the shopping district of Alva, Rex would constantly stop to peak at the trinkets or games whenever they passed by a stall, getting the two more sidetracked as the morning went on. It didn't help that Rex would constantly ask Brighid for directions of the better quality shops, as if he never seen the place. Usually Morag would take care of groceries and such whenever they were there or called a delivery order for native goods as she knew her home like the back of her hand. When it came to Rex, he would just find whatever would catch his eye first no matter the price in the quick passing of shops when he leads the way.

"Easy, Rex. Alba Cavanich doesn't have any better or worse. Every export we have is best of it's quality. Come now, let us hurry, Lady Morag could wake any time soon." Brighid grabbed the hand on the young boy and led him to the shop where she knew he could get such things as little snacks, weapon polish, and the like.

Nearby shopkeepers could only watch as their beliefs of the lad being pulled by the Jewel were becoming more and more cemented in their minds. At certain angles and turns the boy took, they could see his core shining from the light of the rising sun just as much as they could see Brighid's. No doubt, this was a Blade recently awoken or well taken care of if his core shined that well.

As the duo made their way to a stand, Rex looked around as he packed bags full of items that he and the guys would need as Brighid helped gather a few food items for Lady Morag when she wakes. Going up to the shopkeep, Rex readied himself as he reached for his gold pack.

"N-no need to pay, Mr.Blade! Any Blade who is bound with Lady Morag is an honor to meet up close and personal! Oh, what the kids will say when they find out I met 2 of the Blades of The Inquisitor, they'll be so amazed!" The shopkeep bowed his head as he tried his best to control his excitement.

"Uhhh, what? What do you mean by that?" Rex tilted his head as the phrase paused him for a second, trying to figure out what the shopkeep meant when he said that. Brighid, however, felt a small smile grow on her face.

The shopkeep stood tall. "S-sorry, sir, I did not mean to confuse you! Take as much as you both and she need, it is nothing to worry about! Im sorry, but if I may, may I please shake your hand?!" The shopkeep reached for Rex's arm and hand and eagerly shook it.

Rex felt himself be more caught off guard. "Sir, please, let go! What do you-" He was silenced as many guards came up to surround him and the shopkeep, flanking from each side.

"Lady Brighid! Sir Blade! Was this shopkeeper causing an issue with your? Please, if you would be comfortable with it, allow us to take care of this diligently!" As the guards began to surround the shopkeeper, Brighid walked up and put her hands on Rex's shoulders.

"Stand down, everyone. Simply put, my friend here was confused and caught off guard. He's new to this world again in a sense, barely awoken not too long ago, so this is all new to him. Please, allow us to take our things and go." It took all of Brighid's inner strength to not bust out laughing as she kept a stern face. "Lady Morag is waiting for us to return. If it would not be too much trouble, we plan to pick up... ahah, these snacks for myself and the new Blade of the Empire. Lady Morag had given this one here a title already. The Gem of Mor Ardain, she calls him, but his real name... is Rexos. Now... if you would please excuse us." Showing off her authority, she handed Rex some of the bags and took her own as she lead the confused boy.

Soon, the two of them were being followed by a small group of soldiers as they made it their temporary job to escort the duo.

Picking up 2 Core Chips at the shop to make it more believable, Brighid used one on herself and "used" one on Rex by hiding it in a gap of his armor. "Doesnt that feel wonderful, Rexos? Youre looking stronger already! Now let's head back, Lady Morag should be waking soon for us." She found herself smiling as she made up the name fit for a Blade.

Upon their return to the Inn, the marketplace was ablaze with chatter of what they assumed was the true name of the 'Blade' accompanying the Jewel of Mor Ardain.

"Rexos, the Gem of Mor Ardain, and Brigid, the Jewel of Mor Ardain... Truly, we are honored our Inquisitor has such an interesting crew of Blades at her side!" A teen girl said with a smile as she made a mental note to try and see if she can see him again later to hopefully sketch.

"With those 2 at her side, I pity those who'll try to stand in her way..." An elder woman said with a laugh that slowly turned to a cough.

"One day I'll get to use Blades as cool as miss Morag's! I just know it, da!" A little girl said as she clung to the shirt of her father with a sparkle in her eye.

×××

In the safety of the Inn's walls, in a room Brighid and Rex took refuge in just for just a moment to gather their thoughts of what just happened, Brighid could not stifle her laughter any longer. "Looks like Lady Morag has a 'new loyal Blade', wouldn't you agree, 'Rexos'?"

Rex sat in confusion as he wasn't sure what was going on. "Why were they calling ME a Blade?" He looked at the floor as he heard Brighid say something about looking in the mirror through her laughs. Doing just so, the world stopped for a moment as he finally saw what they meant.

A core in the chest... funny looking armor... a weapon on his back with an odd shape and design... At first he didnt fully understand, but the cherry on top that sealed his understandment was... The green ether line looking markings that covered his armor. If he didn't know his own looks, he'd be convinced a Blade was standing in front of him, not his reflection in a mirror.

Leaving with some of bags in her hands, Brighid was about to close the door behind her but stopped herself. "You know... we can't let them know. By that, I mean the people of Mor Ardain. They looked so energized and full of hope once again. A little favor for me... Rexos... and for the people, as long as we're here, play the part." She smiled somewhat mischievously at the lad.

Rex couldnt hear her, his mind and world still moving at a crawl. "..."

With one final smile, the Fire blade laughed, "I got to tell the others, I'm guessing the other blades are awake by now. Oh, by the way, get some rest," A slightly bigger smile plastered, "Our Driver needs her Blades to be at their best!" With that, she closed the door by bumping it with her rear, and darted her way to the rooms.

Rex finally snapped out of his trance, and grabbed a near by pillow, throwing it at the now closed door. "But I'm NOT a Blade!"

Unlucky for 'Rexos', the rooms were mostly soundproof, so no one outside of the nearby rooms could hear his yell...

×××××××

Yeah, I updated this chapter now that I'm somewhat better at writing... It's not much of a change but I feel it fleshes out the world a bit and fixes the rushed original piece, I'll be doing it for the next couple of chapters until I am up to date.

Chapter Text

It was 9:00am, Rex was pacing around the bedroom he had been occupying since the return from the morning shopping. Hundreds of thoughts passed through his mind as he was still trying to wrap his head around the fact that if he didn't know himself better, he would've acted like the people of Mor Ardain and assumed he was a full fledged Blade himself. As he was mulling over if he should take up Pyra's disguise from his time in Gormott, a knock on the door was heard, one that was rather dainty yet assertive.

"Rex, do you have a moment, I wish to come in to discuss... prior events during my slumber." A firm voice said, muffled through the door.

Rex recognized that voice anywhere. It was the same one that warns him when he is starting to get too cocky after their victories, the same voice that he knew would always tell him good advice when it wasn't Gramps. It was a voice he both respected and feared when it was angered...

"U-Uh, sure, Morag, come on in..." Rex went to open the door and was met with the towering woman standing in front of him... with a certain Blade accompanying her. "And uh... you can come in, too." Rex got out the way for the duo of Morag and Bridgid, who walked in with a slight feeling of giddiness from the blue one, and uncertainness from the other.

Morag went to sit at the desk chair and folded her hands as she looked at the boy, a confused mess he was. "Rex, Bridgid had informed me on your recent... comments you have received from the people of my home."

"Yeah, no kidding, they all thought I was a bloody Blade!" Rex said as he sat himself down on the bed, believing he was gonna get slack from her.

Bridgid had a smile forming on her face as she heard him. "I take it you mean to cause no offense with that statement given present company, Rex, but it is true you have developed the appearance of one of my kind."

Morag simply nodded. "I see, as such, I feel as though it is correct to take... certain measures. Do not fret, this shall be sorted out by breakfast."

Rex sighed out of relief, as he was glad his new issue was going to be taken care of soon by someone who had a good head on their shoulders. "Thanks, Morag, I appreciate it. So, how are you gonna clear it up with the people that I'm a man, not a Blade, actually? Maybe you can say I'm like a Flesh Eater, or something, that way I can walk freely without being swarmed."

"On the contrary, 'Rexos'..." The world stopped for Rex as he heard that name. "Frankly put, from what Brighid here told me, it shows that the morale of Mor Ardain as a whole has increased 10 fold when wordgot out about you. We sent some Blades out to do some recon and found out that the thought of a newer Blade is in my possession, and being gossiped about as quite powerful has bolstered the army as well. As such, I say we make
this a sort of... payback, as you will be serving as my "Blade" in the meantime for as long as necessary."

Rex stammered as he was at a loss of words. "Payback?! But for what, dare I ask?!" He stomped his foot as he was about to get closer, but a feiry hand blocked him.

Bridgid did her best to give a serious look, despite her interest in all this being present. "Need I remind you, you still need to pay off the debt for destroying a water pipe in Mor Ardain, injuring many of our soldiers when you went on your rescue mission for Nia, and if I must, do I need to mention the water tower incident?" The young lad could only stay silent as he kinda forgot he did all that to the people just doing their job and that he caused all that property damage.

"So, it is duly noted that you will have to at least play the part in the meantime. Let's say... a month or so, that gives us enough time to finish the tasks we have here, as well as increase the morale as much as possible by having you be seen." Morag said it so simply, it didn't seem as though it would be a problem to a 3rd party. Rex, however, was a different story.

"An entire month?! But what about the others, we can't just-"

Morag held her hand up. "Taken care of. I informed them to carry on without us in the meanwhile, take time for themselves to train or simply go home for a while to rest and relax. Even Mythra has been taken care of, she's under the watch of Sheba, Praxis, Vale and Kora for, ughh... 'Blady time'. You should have no distractions now in the meantime. That should give enough time for you to think of a good reason to make sure the Aegis doesn't flip out."

The confused lad looked up scared. "How did you plan this so quick?! It's sounding like you planned this weeks in advance!"

"Simple, we asked your two intelligent blades to come up with the idea. KOS-MOS and Adenine whipped up that plan in a matter of seconds. They think it could serve as a way to better be in tune with your blades as a whole, seeing how some of us sort of live when not in the presence of a Driver or from the prospective of a Blade. Currently, the only ones here are us and Lady Morag's Blades. Yours were tasked with returning home to either Fonsett or Garfont." Bridgid took out a comb from the dresser Morag was at and proceeded to comb Rex's hair, trying to make him more presentable.

It was as though now Rex has found himself between a rock and a hard place, only being taken out of his state of fright by Bridgid putting him in a state of confusion with her combing.

"You must look your best, I have arranged a conference with the emperor's guards and the army to give you more attention. It is gonna be at 12pm sharp. Come, we will need to get you suited with a weapon perfect for you." Morag grabbed the lad by the hand and led him to her room, as waiting for them were several of Morag's other Blades, most looking somewhat nervous. "I have arranged you to pick what weapon you'd rather be seen with. Go ahead and choose, Rex. They say a warrior's weapon and style speaks to their heart, so I'd like to see what your choice is..."

Rex walked in shakily. He figured now as there is no chance to leave, as he was basically outmatched in manpower and numbers at this point given his predicament. He walked up and looked around at the Blades, each with their weapon presented as he locked eyes with Perceval, a silence falling on the room as he handed Rex his weapon with a nod.

"Perceval. This might prove better than I would hope. His ability to be unseen should be able to keep the illusion of everything going as well..." Morag smiled. "Now, let's get going. I do hope you're well rested, Rexos." Morag walked out, with Rex almost being pushed by Bridgid.

Bridgid wrapped her arms around Rex from behind as she gave a small laugh. "Welcome to the family, Rexos. I'll do any speaking for you if they are asked."

Rex almost snapped at her. "Why is it that you've been acting like this lately, Bridgid?! You're acting like Azami does whenever her and I travel!"

Bridgid let go as she walked in front of him, bumping him with her posterior as she did, causing a whistle to come from one of the other Blades. "Oh, don't worry about it, Rexos. It's just a little fun is all." She smiled and walked off behind Morag as she led them to the capital, as he watched Perceval leap to the roofs of the buildings and watched from above, almost disappearing into a cloud of darkness.

Walking though the streets once again, this time now with Morag present, it was a different outcome. Soldiers saluted as they walked by and followed behind once they passed. Older civilians too would salute out of respect and did not dare to move until they were gone. In the distance, on the road to the castle, stood a stage that although rushed, looked well constructed. Whole platoons were already waiting for them as the middle was parted for them to pass though. Making their way between the crowds, Rex could hear their chatter, muffled but eligible, talking about how he either didn't look like much up close or was honored to be this close to him.

The trio climbed the stage as Morag went to the stand. Clearing her throat, and firming her voice, she began her speech. "Everyone, I thank those who came on short notice. As you may be aware, we are in times of great issue and of great concern..." Rex began to zone out as he looked towards the crowd, Morag becoming more and more distant.

H was at a loss for words. It was as though it was an endless sea of spikes, an endless sea of helmets, but worse... endless sets of souless, unblinking eyes. Although he knew they were just helmets, he could feel each of their eyes on him. It was as though he felt they were monitoring his every move. Silent, cold, empty... humans they are underneath, but at the moment, he felt they were sizing him up like a pack of Volff to a Bunnit.

"...and so, I would like to present and welcome the newest addition to my barracks. Rexos, the Jewel of Mor Ardain. Rexos, if you would please show off?"

Rex snapped to attention as he looked at Morag with a twinge of stage fright. If he failed now, things would get messy, and they would get messy fast. He walked up and took out Perceval's weapon and showed it off, the blade gleaming in the light. He readied himself as he could feel the ether link between him and Perceval... Something in him felt off, but as he had to make this believable, he pushed it down.

As Rex swung the sword in his hands, he sent off a wave of dark energy out, being rewarded with cheers from the crowd.

Morag lowered her cap. "Rexos is a blade powered by darkness, albeit what his armor shows. That being said, he is a kind and caring Blade. I ask that you do not overwhelm the lad, as he is barely awoken. He may not be familiar with our customs of this place. Now, I do believe it is time to head back to my quarters. Rexos, Bridgid, let us be off."

As she walked down from the podium to the gate of Hardhaigh Palace, cheers echoed through the crowd as it seemed morale really has reached its peak once again. Rex could only trail after her to make sure he didn't have to deal with people hounding him and such again.

Rex pulled Morag's coat, receiving a small hmph from her. "Morag, so what now?"

Morag didn't answer as they were still in the presence of soldiers. "Please, one moment, Rexos." Leading the way until they reached the elevator and the doors closing, Morag took off her cap and placed it on the teen's head, a force of habit and muscle memory she picked up when she was in private with her cousin during her younger years. "Simply put, we play the part. His highness is currently out on leave, so for time being, I am in charge. You in the meanwhile will be moved to the living quarters of the rest of the Blades."

As they reached the top, Morag led Rex to where she use to take residence when she lived in the Palace. Thankfully no guards dared to look her in the eye on her path, and as such were able to make it to her living/work quarters without worry.

Her room was the image of luxury; masterly crafted wood furnishings took space in her area. The carpet looked imported, soft to the touch as Rex knelt down to feel it. It was not any animal pelt he familiar with... wines from across the nations adorned a wall to his left, but the thing to catch his eye the most was a stained glass window depicting the head of the Mor Ardain titan, as the window also seemed to have a perfect view of the World Tree as well.

"This is where I use to live, Rex. Come, I'll show you to your quarters. Rex? Rex?" Morag looked at the lad as she grabbed him by the shoulder. "Come, the sooner we get to the lodgings, the better." She grabbed Rex by the helmet and dragged him to another door across from hers and opened it to show that the room he would be staying in was...

Well it was fancy still but not as fancy as her room. Normally, Morag's Blades would be mingling about with each other in this room, from drinking to playing games, but most happened to be out due to missions. The only other one there was Newt in the back, using a box of cannon balls as a weight.

Newt turned back, gently laying the box on the ground and giving a quick salute. "Lady Morag, Master Rex, Newt reporting for duty. What brings your arrival?" She took a quick look. "And, uh... don't want to pry, but why is everyone else not here?"

Bridgid walked out from behind them. "Newt, I thought everyone would be out for duty. Why are you still here?"

"I stayed to help the army, duh." Newt crossed her arms. "I would rather stay here and help than be sent on another mission to babysit someone like Ursula on her music things. You can only hear the same few chords before you start getting them stuck in your head, you know."

"Well now, this couldn't be better. Newt, if I may borrow your ear for a second..." Bridgid went up and whispered something to Newt, causing her eyes to dart to Rex and a twisted smile crossing her lips.

Morag turned heel and walked out. "I take it you three will figure something out. In the meanwhile, I should go address any issues the emperor left in his absence." As Morag closed the door, she could hear the sounds of Newt squealing, something she never heard before.

"That boy... he's in for something, I worry..." Morag fixed her cap and coat, walking back to her room, the sound of her boots hitting metal echoing through the halls.

Chapter Text

One by one, Morag's Blades would return home, aside from Perceval who stayed in the shadows and was already home, along with Newt. First was the short bird brain, Finch, who never really left as she would enter and leave the same two rooms but was dropped off by a few common blades. Following her was Theory and who came from the training grounds. After them, Agate and Ursula returned from another one of Ursula's musical trainings that Agate babysat in a sense. Finally coming home was Ms.Vess, after a long day working in the cafeteria.

"Uuuuhhhh... why is everyone in Finch's room? Whos the guy in white..?" Finch said as she looked at Rex, bopping him with her hands trying to shoo him away. "This is uh... I think this is my room? Wait do I live here?"

Theory sighed and picked up the bird, putting her in a enclosure that is normally designed for babies as Finch sat to play with some toys and eat the random seeds Theory grabbed from a sack and scattered in. "Not to come off as rude, Rex, but what are you doing here in our room? This place is specifically for us Blades. If you'd like I can show you to the guest room?" She walked back to Rex, but was stopped by a much taller woman who stepped in front and blocked her. "Agate! Can you not do that, please? My clothes almost stabbed into your backside..."

"Don't worry, Theory, I got this. Rex WAS my previous Driver before, so I am obligated to. I think, at least." Turning around and bowing slightly, she summoned her Axe. "We can get there lickity split! Just follow me, okay?"

"That wont be necessary, Agate." Brighid clasped her hands and nodded to Newt, a joyous look was on both of them. "I trust you're going to show him around here In the meantime. You better do all you can to mold him to be his best. See, Rex here will be staying with us for a while. Before we continue, it be best if Newt and I explain why."

Smiling with glee, the army Blade reached for a journal full of ideas she had been jotting down. "Don't worry, Brig, I got this. It's going to be nice to finally work with him again without Pyra butting in."

"Ah, that's right. You also use to be Rex's Blade before he transferred you over to Morag..." Brighid put a hand under her chin. "That girl was... interesting, when it came to us Fire Blades and him..."

Newt grabbed her own shoulder, squirming at a memory.

×Flashback×

It was day 67 of their journey, according to records. It was odd in hindsight that it was already that long and not much has been happening, but besides the point... it was a cold day in Tantal, and the gang took some leisurely time off to relax and enjoy the scenery...

"Yeah... even with the development improvements, Theosoir's economy is still bloody hell on everyone..." Zeke said as he and the group stood at the main entrance, watching over all Theosoir. "We have done all that we can to improve things here, but the black market is still the only way people are surviving out here."

Morag felt a small shiver, but was warmed up by Brighid simply being close to her, and then focused herself. "I can possibly ask the emperor to make arrangements. We can send emergency provisions to help with what we can, Zeke."

Tora was fine as Poppi QT turned on her external heaters, a content look on both of them. "Tora can help make list of needed items and fixing of buildings while here, friends?"

"Heh... thanks, lot. I'll have a chat with the old man about that too..." Zeke fixed his coat as they continued their talk.

"It's, uh... really nice you're willing to help, Morag, I'm sure the people here will be very thankful of Mor Ardain." Pyra had to keep her arms up and struggled to keep a stable footing as once again Nia had her arms wrapped around her for warmth. "Nia, you do realize you have Dromach still, right? You're hugging a little... tight..."

Nia nuzzled her face into the side of Pyra's torso. "I TRIED, girl, but his fur gets too spiky in the cold. Feels like I'm snugglin a tree's bark..."

Pyra sighed as she patted Nia's head. "I get that, but can you at least hug less tight?" Tilting her head, she saw Rex was in the back, shivering like mad. "I told you, silly, the clothes we got from the Archsage are nice, but you didn't have to try them on right away. You can break them in later." She pouted as the sight of her Driver (and more) like this made her have a pain of worry for him.

"S-s-sorry, Py-Pyra... just felt wr-wrong to leave the reward... Titan's foot, I'm freezing my bullocks off..." Trying to get closer to Pyra, Rex took a few steps forward but was hissed at by Nia.

"Find another heat source, Rex, I can warm you up later... I mean, WE can uh... get you warmed up later." Nia said as she tried to hide a blush, knowing well that sometimes at night, she likes to cuddle up to her Driver in Blade form, much to Rex oblivion.

"Gah... fine, fine... we didn't p-pa-pack any other coats... w-wait, I got it!" Focusing himself, he used his Driver ability to swap one of the Blades in his party, as next to him spawned out the army Blade, Newt.

"Reporting for duty, Master Rex! What's the mission today?" Newt said as she saluted, standing at attention.

"Again, you don't ne-need to keep calling me, Newt. Just... okay, the mission is, um... You're guarding me as long as we're here in Tantal. I need warmth..." As soon as he finished, Rex hugged onto Newt as within seconds was finally warming up once again, but the sudden hug and hold made her lose focus for a moment.

"I-I-I ahhhh, yes sir, Master Rex! I shall um... be your guard and heat source! Don't worry, I won't fail this mission." With a blush on her face, she petted the lads head with her normal hands as a smile slowly formed on her face as she stroked his hair, unaware at the moment of the gritted teeth smile she was recieving from Pyra.

"I keep forgetting, Rex, you have... OTHER fire Blades besides me... That's good, now you can also be... warm." Pyra said as she tried her best to restrain herself. "Newt, you be a doll and make sure things don't get too handsy, okay?" Shuffling close to Newt, she put her hand on her shoulder and gripped it just hard enough to be be somewhat hurtful. "That goes for both of you,
okay?"

"Hmph!" Newt winced at the pain, but forced a smile as her voice got slightly higher. "Don't worry, fraternizing is something I do not take too kindly... it may jeopardize work..."

Pyra smiled genuinely "Good!" Shuffling back with the cat girl still firmly clinging to her, letting Newt sigh out as she looked at her still Driver at the time. "Make it a note, Mythra, make sure those clothes are sent straight to Fonsett..." Pyra thought as she and her other half conspired to make sure that doesn't happen again."

Zeke and Morag looked back at the semi scared Blade being hugged by the master driver, one shaking their head in shame and the other hiding a look of disappointment. "A lively one, he's got..." "Indeed..."

×end of FB×

"I tell ya, girl's got grip." Newt shook her head as Rex looked up at both of them, confused. He knew Pyra was strong, even by some Blade standards, but he never considered her grip to be anything other than gentle.

"You would think she of all Blades would not have... those types of features..." Brighid said, trying to dance around the issue of her being possessive and jealous. The aftermath of the time under the Saffronia tree with her, Pyra, Pandoria and Kora made her unable to sleep for a day or two.

Rex butted in, "What type of features?" Brighid petted the boy's head. "Don't worry about it. Okay, everyone, gather around, it's time to tell what's going to be going down..."

As the Rares sat or stood around them, being told what was going to be going down, some responded with happy feelings, while others came down with a feeling of worry.

"Ahhh, now the whole thing of you picking out a weapon from one of us earlier makes sense. I thought you were deciding who to use for training. Oooooh it's going yo be so fun with you around, Rex! " Agate grabbed Rex's hands and shook them happily as Ursula sat beside him, Beary already asleep on the ground so she can walk or sit around herself. "It really is nice, Mr. Rex... it's like having a new big brother around..." She rested her head against his arm.

"You know, Zenobia's gonna have a field day knowing she has someone like Rex so available to spar with when she gets back..." Theory said as she got another bed ready for Rex, and refilled Finch's seed plate. " Word of advice, don't take up her offer of a 'light morning workout' Rex. It's fighting all those uniques one by one again."

"Uhhh... noted... So um, now what? Do we just wait..?" Rex said as he sat still to let Ursula fall asleep and picked her up to place her back on Beary's back.

"Heh. Give me a couple minutes, I got something planned. Now out out out, Master Rex. I gotta set things up!" Newt's floating hands gently grabbed him and carried him out the room and locked the door, as several minutes passed by as sudden and loud banging, dragging and flickering sounds were heard, followed by the click of an unlocked door. The room was dark, with the exception of a single stool illuminated by a single light.

Rex walked in and sat in the middle of the dimly lit room on the small stool, the single light swinging above him as he looked more confused than anything. "Newt, what is all this? You're not sneaky, I can see your ether lines' glow..."

"Damn it, Master Rex! I was going for a gravitas feeling..." Stepping into the light, Newt looked down at the man as her floating hands pulled a whiteboard from the shadows. Scribbled on the board were big bold letters and crude drawings of what appeared to be several blades, Rex and... what looked like either Morag or an oddly disfigured bird. "ALRIGHT! You see, my friend, here's the thing. You're one of us now, so you're gonna learn all you can from the masters. That is why I'm going to put you through my special course... Blade 101: Your Driver and You!" Newt said with a smile as she struck a pose.

"..." Rex looked dumbfounded. "Yeeeeeah, uh... suuuuure, Newt?"

"That's Ms.Newt to you right now!" She said, pointing a baton at Rex. "We're going to do a run down of the basic things you need to know, starting with things such as your your weapon, armor and skills! That's not to mention your element..."

"Hey, knock it off, will ya? I don't need to know all that, it's not like I'll be dealing with any necessity of that... Ill just be... like I'm acting in a play or something..." Rex rebuttled.

Newt scoffed. "Nonsense. First things first, we're seeing how you handle a weapon without a Blade's boost! Meet me out in the training field in 1 hour! I'll be waiting." She walked off with Brighid as the two of them left to let Rex get ready and deconfuse himself.

Giggling as they walked, Brighid turned her head to face Newt, "You do know he's going to be fail, right? Blade weapons don't function without a steady supply of ether, Perceval WILL step in to try and make the connection so he can do it better."

"Not if I am him nicely. We Chrome Katanas have soft spots with each other, he'll ease back." Newt said and put her arms back. "BUT man it feels good to actually be around my old Driver again..."

"It's funny." Brighid smiled at the thought. "My journal tells Mythra was always the stubborn one, guess some of that stubbornness made its way into Pyra in a sense... At least now she won't get greedy with her need to be the only Fire blade with Rex..."

"Oooh yeah... I heard she once even shot glares at poor, oblivious, little Crossette when Rex had her engaged to upgrade her weapon when Nia was in Blade mode." Newt said, shaking her head.

"Strong as a forestfire, greedy and consuming of where it got to first just like one too." Brighid remarked as the fire bladies finally made it to thr training grounds, and waited for the man of the moment to arrive.